Stephan Gene Gray

Officer Stephan Gray was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop on Glen Avenue at approximately 1930 hours.

As Officer Gray attempted to get information from a passenger of the vehicle, the passenger resisted and a struggle ensued. The suspect was able to break free and a short foot chase began. After several yards the suspect turned and opened fire on Officer Gray, striking him twice. Officer Gray was transported to Mercy Community Campus Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The shooter escaped but was arrested 17 days later by agents from the State Department of Justice and Federal Immigration. He was convicted of the murder in 2007 and sentenced to death.

Officer Gray had served with the Merced Police Department for 7 years, and was assigned to the Special Operations Unit to combat narcotics and gangs.